Satellite television antenna system

ABSTRACT

The satellite television antenna device receives a set of desired satellite identifications (IDs) from a set top box (STB). The antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification of the satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if ID is possible. Then, if the candidate was identifiable, the antenna system compares the candidate&#39;s ID to the set of desired satellite IDs. If the candidate ID is a member of the set, then the satellite antenna&#39;s dish orientation is stored in memory. The antenna then attempts to acquire the remaining members of the set of desired satellite IDs until all members are acquired or no further candidates remain. If the candidate is not identifiable, or not a member of the set, then the antenna proceeds to the next satellite candidate.

PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/561,820, filed on Nov. 18, 2011, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to satellite television antennasystems, and more particularly, to a satellite television antenna systemthat interacts with a Set Top Box (STB) to obtain satelliteidentification information.

BACKGROUND

The growth in the number of available media channels and improvedreception due to digital broadcasts has driven consumers to look beyondnormal television antennas and cable systems. Digital signals broadcastfrom satellites are capable of providing hundreds of video, audio anddata channels to users without the constraint of land line connections.The programming is distributed by a constellation of satellites parkedin geostationary orbits at 22,300 miles above the earth. Thesebroadcasts from orbit allow users to receive the broadcasts in manyareas; such as mountainous regions or desolate areas, where earth-basedtransmitters or cable infrastructure traditionally are unable to reach.

A satellite can only broadcast a finite amount of data simultaneously.Therefore, it is sometimes or often necessary for satellite programmingproviders, for example DISH Network and DirecTV in the United States, tospread their programming across multiple satellites located at differentpositions or slots in the sky. Thus, for a customer to receive theirfull compliment of programming, their satellite antenna equipment mustaim, lock onto and switch between two or more satellite positions (e.g.110 degrees, 119degrees, etc.) depending on which television channel theuser has selected via their STB.

For house-mounted antenna systems, a single dish with multiple feedhorns can be adjusted in elevation, azimuth and skew so that the databeing broadcast from multiple satellite locations can be receivedsimultaneously. Alternatively, two or more dishes may be used. In eithercase, once the dish is properly aimed and secured, it is not necessaryto re-adjust because the house does not move. Often a trained technicianis hired to perform the setup and aiming tasks because it must beensured that the antenna(s) are accurately aimed and oriented at all ofthe correct satellites corresponding to the programming package to whichthe user has subscribed. However, providing a solution for mobileenvironments is a far more complex endeavor.

When a broadcast satellite signal is received by a satellite antenna, anoutput signal is relayed to a STB. The STB (also referred to as anintegrated receiver decoder or IRD) then decodes the audio and videosignals, and outputs the decoded signals as regular audio and televisionsignals to be displayed on a television set and played by an audiosystem. The STB includes certain components, such as microprocessorswith corresponding programming code, to determine which satellite isnecessary to correspond to the channel selected by the user. The STBalso contains electrical components and associated programming to decodethe satellite identification information broadcast by each compatiblesatellite. One common method is referred to as Digital Video Broadcast(DVB) and can be decoded by a DVB circuit board disposed within the STB,which may be integrated or a separate component. Then, using acommunications protocol called DiSEqC, the STB can communicate with theindividual signal converters (low noise block converters (LNBs)) of thesatellite antenna(s) to selectively turn them on and off as required toreceive the correct feed corresponding to the desired satellite positionas determined by the STB based upon the channel selected by the user.

The positioning of the satellite signal receiving antenna becomesproblematic when it is configured as a mobile antenna, such as forvehicle mounting or for portable hand carrying. Mountable satelliteantennas may, for example, attach to a bus, boat, motor home, trailer,commercial vehicle, van, camper, trailer or other mobile unit. When suchconfiguration of satellite communication systems are moved to a newlocation, the elevation and azimuth angles (orientations) of the antennamust be adjusted to align the antenna with the selected satellite.Determining satellite location is especially problematic to the user whomay be in a new location every night (or throughout the day). Forexample, many buses and recreational vehicles have their satelliteantenna systems installed on the roof of the vehicle. When they park atnight they may have to first position the antenna to an operatingposition and then adjust elevation and azimuth position to locate thedesired satellite.

Due to packaging and cost requirements, most conventionalmobile/portable satellite TV antennas can only aim at one satelliteposition at a time. This allows the systems to be enclosed, made lessexpensive and packaged smaller than they otherwise would need to bebecause dish size can be reduced and skew does not need to be adjustedcompared to antenna systems like those mounted to the roof of a housethat point at multiple satellite positions simultaneously.

Conventional mobile/portable antennas, such as those disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,595,764 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,612, both of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety, thus must be able to changeelevation and azimuth so that they are aimed at the correct satelliteposition; the one that corresponds to the channel the user selected onthe STB.

Conventional mobile/portable satellite antennas operate independent ofthe STB to which they are connected. For example, these devicestypically include an onboard DVB board as part of the antenna controlsystem so that the mobile/portable antenna can positively determine theidentification of which satellite it is locked onto or needs to switchto. Use of such on-board DVB decoders greatly speeds up the searchingprocess compared to a blind search methodology. However, the inclusionof the redundant DVB hardware and software adds cost, complexity andweight to the mobile satellite antenna. It is also an additionalcomponent that could fail. Thus, there is a need to provide for asystem, method and device that reduces cost, weight and complexity ofthe conventional mobile or portable satellite antenna system, andimproves reliability, without removing the ability to efficientlyoperate automatically.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses certain deficiencies discussed above byproviding for a device, method and system of enhanced interactionbetween the STB and the portable or mobile antenna system in order toeliminate redundant components from the antenna system.

The satellite antenna device of one embodiment of the present inventioncan be configured as a motorized portable device that enables easysatellite television reception while camping, tailgating, ice fishing,visiting summer cabin, etc. The system requires no deployment and isenclosed in a light weight, small enclosure with, or without a carryinghandle. The microprocessor-based antenna control system included in themotorized satellite antenna device receives a set of desired satelliteidentifications (IDs or network identifications (NIDs)) from a set topbox (STB). The antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a satellitecandidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquiresidentification of the satellite candidate from a STB, if suchidentification is possible. Then, if the candidate was identifiable, theantenna system compares the candidate's ID to the set of desiredsatellite IDs. If the candidate ID is a member of the set, then thesatellite antenna's orientation is stored in memory. The antenna thenattempts to acquire the remaining members of the desired satellite IDsuntil all are acquired or no further candidates remain. If the candidateis not identifiable, or not a member of the set, then the antennaproceeds to the next satellite candidate. Other embodiments, featuresand functions will be apparent from the detailed description below, andfrom the appended figures.

By providing a positive identification of satellites to the antenna bythe STB, redundant components can be eliminated. For example, the DVBdecoding element in a conventional portable or mobile satellite antennasystem can be eliminated because the definitive satellite identificationinformation can be supplied by the STB. As a result, antenna product andmanufacturing costs are reduced, antenna manufacturing is easier andfaster, and the weight of the product can be reduced. Reliability andquality of the antenna are also improved. Other redundancies that canalso be eliminated include the need for a separate user interface, setupof system parameters, and redundant power supplies. In addition, thereis no need to provide a separate costly and easily lost remote controlfor independently controlling operation of the antenna system.

The above summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention,or describe each embodiment, aspect, implementation, feature oradvantage of the invention. The detailed technology and preferredembodiments for the subject invention are described in the followingparagraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in thisfield to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It isunderstood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to becommented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specifiedcombinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a schematic showing operation of a satellitetelevision viewing system, including a STB and a portable antennasystem, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a power up routine for a satellite televisionviewing system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a satellite television antenna system set-uproutine according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a set-up screen of a satellite televisionviewing system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a scan preparation routine of a satellitetelevision viewing system according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic showing an aspect of satellite locating scanroutines of a satellite television viewing system according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing an aspect of satellite locating scanroutines of a satellite television viewing system according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing an aspect of satellite locating scanroutines of a satellite television viewing system according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing a satellite switching routine according toan example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic showing a scan routine aspect where less than allsatellites have been found according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic showing a satellite television antenna softwareupdate routine of a satellite television viewing system according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a television viewing system diagram according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a portion of a satellite antennaunit according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a satellite antennaunit according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a satellite antennaunit according to an example embodiment.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the inventionis to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives fallingwithin the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explainedwith reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, theseembodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to anyspecific example, environment, application, or particular implementationdescribed herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodimentsare only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit thepresent invention. Conventional operating logic for transportablesatellite antenna devices is known to those having skill in the art, andtherefore, will not be repeated herein.

The antenna apparatus can be configured as an manually or handtransportable antenna system (with or without handle) such as thatdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,595,764, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. Indeed, portions of the followingdescription refer to the VUQUBE® (VQ) hand portable motorized andenclosed satellite TV antenna product. This product is available fromKing Controls at www.kingcontrols.com. However the present invention canalso be adapted to any manner of satellite television antenna productsand configurations. For example it can be adapted to a vehicularmobilized satellite antenna product for mounting on the roof of avehicle such as the KING DOME® antenna product, also available from KingControls. Additionally, the disclosure of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,864,846 and6,937,199, and the disclosure of U.S. appliation Ser. No. 12/845,488,filed on Jul. 29, 2010, are all hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety as these references show additional satellite antennadevice examples that can be adapted to certain embodiments of thecurrent invention.

The operations, structural devices, acts, modules, logic and methodsteps discussed herein below, according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention, may take the form of a computer program or softwarecode stored on a tangible or non-transitive machine-readable medium (ormemory) in communication with a processor which executes the code toperform the described behavior, function, features and methods. It willbe recognized by one skilled in the art that these operations,structural devices, acts, logic, method steps and modules may beimplemented in software, in firmware, in special purpose digital logic,and any combination thereof without deviating from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as recited within the claims attached hereto.

General satellite antenna system operation and interaction with the STBaccording to one example embodiment is depicted in the flowchart ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, which pertains generally to the following descriptionsof certain operational states. Detailed discussion of certain aspectswill be discussed with regard to FIGS. 2-11.

Referring then to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the STB queries through thecommunicating line attached to the antenna to determine the identity ofthe antenna that is connected 100. The responses can include adetermination that there is no antenna connected, that a home or fixedantenna is connected or that a mobile/portable antenna is connected. Ifa mobile/portable is connected, then an antenna firmware update checkcan be performed and the firmware updated, if necessary 102.

Next, a setup or startup screen is presented to the user on thetelevision connected to the STB 104. The setup screen can, but need not,request certain information from the user such as geographic location.

Then an exchange of data occurs between the STB and antenna, includingdata relayed from scans 106 by the antenna in response to status queriesby the STB 108. This exchange includes the STB providing the antennawith the network identifications (NIDs or IDs) of each satellitecandidate 110 that the antenna locks onto. This process continues untilall of the desired satellites are found (so the user can watch the fullset of TV channels 112), or until no further satellite candidates can beidentified by the antenna. This latter condition may be the result ofsome, but not all, of the desired satellites being found 114, or may bethe result of an inability to find any of the desired satellites 116.The user setup screen may be updated with status messages during thesatellite acquisition process 118.

If satellite signal is lost as noticed by the STB, it sends an antennacheck query 120 through the communication line to the antenna. If norecognized hardware is found, the user can be prompted to check theantenna connection, or some other suitable error warning. The STB cancontinue to check for an antenna connection until one is found. Once aviable antenna is located, the process can start again, or the previousstatus can be resumed if a predefined timeout period has not expired.

Certain aspects of the system operation, function and features will nowbe described with respect to FIGS. 2-11. Referring in particular to FIG.2, the logic of normal power up routine for a STB is shown in greaterdetail. A coaxial cable can be used to connect the STB to the antennasystem to provide a means for communication or communication linetherebetween. This single cable can also be the same cable through whichsatellite broadcast signals received by antenna are transmitted to theSTB. Thus, the communication line connecting the antenna to STB can be atwo-way communication conduit. Other communications means such aswireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio, infrared, cellular, etc.) mayalso be used. Signals can also be exchanged over multiple communicationsconduits and means. Power to the antenna can also be supplied by the STBto the motorized antenna device by the same single cable line throughwhich the two-way communications are occurring. Thus, cables, cost andsetup complexity are minimized. Reliability and quality are alsoimproved.

After the STB is powered up 120, the STB queries for antennaidentification 122. The STB thus can determine whether a home/fixedantenna is connected 124, whether a motorized mobile/portable antenna isconnected 126 or whether no antenna is connected 128. The STB can beconfigured to default to home/fixed antenna operation if no antenna isconnected. But if a motorized mobile/portable antenna is connected, thenthe ID of such antenna is obtained 130. A set-up page or status page canalso be displayed on the user's television screen 132.

The portable antenna system is placed by the user in a location with anunobstructed view of the relevant hemisphere of the sky (e.g. southernin the United States and Europe, northern in Australia and SouthAmerica). The vehicle to which a mobile unit is attached would be moved,if necessary, to satisfy the same criteria. The STB is plugged into apower source, which also powers on the antenna system via thecommunication line or conduit. Alternatively, the antenna system can beprovided with a separate direct or remote power switch. After poweringup, the STB initiates an antenna identification and/or authenticationquery over the DiSEqC bus. The motorized mobile/portable antenna systemis configured to respond with suitable identification or authenticationinformation. This identification step can be performed, for example,automatically at power up, after the user presses a reset on the STB, oras initiated by the user via the STB user on-screen set up optionsinterface.

Referring now to FIG. 3, once the STB recognizes the mobile/portableantenna system, the STB displays the presence of the specific antennasystem on the TV set up screen 134. The STB may also display thehardware and firmware version number, and the antenna configurationinformation. The user may be queried via prompts presented on the screensuch as that shown in FIG. 4, to enter geographic information 136, suchas a state, zip code or other location identifier. The STB in certainembodiments can use this geographic data and the user's subscriptioninformation (e.g., Dish1000) to determine the set of satellites to beacquired by the antenna 138. Thereafter the STB automatically transmitsto the antenna over the communications line the set or group ofsatellite IDs that are to be located and identified to watch TV 140.This is also referred to as the set or group of desired satellites. Eachmember of this group is referred to as a desired satellite. The antennastores the set of desired satellite IDs (NIDs) in memory so they can beaccessed during the satellite acquisition process.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is again shown that the STB contains code todetermine the set of desired satellites 138, the IDs of which are sentto and stored by the antenna 140. Prior to full scan, the antenna systemsends a busy flag message to the STB 142 to indicate that scanning modehas been initiated. This causes the STB to update the LNB voltage andprepares for querying antenna system status 144. The status can bequeried every 500 milliseconds for example, or some other acceptablevalue given the hardware employed. The LNB voltage is held at therequested level while the busy/scanning flag is set in response tostatus queries. A stable LNB voltage helps the antenna system tonormalize the measurement of the microwave energy of any detectedsatellites. The invention can also be practiced without the setting ofthe LNB voltage steps depending on the type of LNB used in the antenna.

The antenna system resets the motor drive 146 and starts a sky scanroutine. The antenna first rotates its reflector dish via an azimuthmotor to monitor background microwave signal (MW level) in order to seta signal-to-noise ratio 148. Then a scan is performed 150. During thescan, one or both of the azimuth and elevation motors of the antenna areactuated to move the dish in order to locate microwave (MW) hotspots150. These hotspots are the satellite location candidates that will befurther evaluated as discussed below.

The antenna can also calculate a target elevation angle range based upongeographic location information provided by the STB. This calculationenables the antenna to begin its scan at a specified elevation or rangeof elevations in order to potentially reduce the search time needed tofind satellite candidates. Another alternative to receiving locationinformation from the STB is to provide the antenna with an onboard GPSreceiver so that the antenna can use GPS data to determine appropriateelevation angle for its current location and quickly find satellitecandidates.

The GPS data from the antenna (or from STB internal GPS if so equipped)can also be used by the STB to enable or disable local programmingcorresponding to the location of the antenna and STB. For example, theSTB can use location information to determine that it is not located inthe user's “home” location, so programming corresponding to that “home”location can be disabled. In another example, the STB can enable localprogramming corresponding to the current location of the user so thatthe user can access and view programming that is designated as local tothe user's current location.

If the STB is unable to maintain the requested LNB voltage when inmobile/portable antenna system-STB mode, the antenna system can includeadditional hardware that would accept a range of voltages from the STBand follow the STB DiSEqC commands to control the LNB polarization bycontrolling LNB voltage locally. For this alternative, the overallcontrol sequence would remain very similar to that described above, andwill therefore, not be repeated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 6 the scanning process will now be described ingreater detail. After initiation of a sky scan 150, the antenna scansthe sky in a predetermined pattern until it finds a MW signal that itidentifies as a satellite candidate. One way this can be done is to lookfor MW energy hotspots that stand out against the background MW level.It can also be done other ways without departing from the scope of theinvention. While the scan process is proceeding, the STB repeatedlyqueries the antenna for status (e.g. every 500 ms) 156. Once a candidateis found, the antenna locks onto and peaks or maximizes the lock forthat candidate 152. The scan is stopped 154 and a locked flag is sent tothe STB 158. The STB receives the locked flag 160 and decodes the NID ofthe satellite candidate from the candidate satellite's broadcast datastream being passed to the STB from the antenna over the communicationline. The STB then passes the NID, if available, for the candidatesatellite back to the antenna 162 in the next status exchange. NID isthe network ID information contained within the satellite televisiondata feed being broadcast from every such satellite.

The antenna control system in the antenna apparatus then compares theNID of the satellite candidate as provided by the STB to the list ofNIDs for the set of desired satellites 164. The antenna control systemacts appropriately on the candidate NID to determine whether it hasdetected a member of the desired set and then continues the scan to tryto detect any remaining members of the set of required (desired)satellites.

FIG. 7 further illustrates the process by which the antenna systeminteracts with the STB to determine whether a given satellite candidateis a member of the set of desired satellites and whether all memberdesired satellites have been found. The antenna control system receivesa candidate NID from the STB and compares that candidate's NID to theset of desired NIDs as previously provided by the STB 164. If aparticular satellite candidate is either (1) unidentifiable or (2)identified, but not among the list of satellites needed (desired), theantenna clears the lock flag, sets a busy flag 166 and resumes the scanprocess 168. This process repeats until a satellite is identified thatis among the set of desired satellites. If a desired satellite is found,then the antenna sends a satellite found message to the STB 170. The STBmay also then update the status on the user's set up page 172.

The antenna control system also stores in memory the orientationinformation for its reflector dish (e.g., elevation angle and azimuth)for a given satellite that is determined to be a member of the set ofdesired satellites. This allows the antenna to quickly move (or switchor jump) from a current desired satellite location to another desiredsatellite location when it receives a switch command from the STB. Thesatellite antenna control system can also store the dish orientationinformation corresponding to satellite candidates that it determines tonot be among the set of desired satellites. By storing this latterorientation data, the antenna system can avoid locking onto the samenon-desired candidate again.

The antenna control system also decides if any additional desiredsatellites still need to be found 174. If yes, then the antenna clearsthe lock flag, sets a busy flag 176 and resumes scanning 168. This scanand evaluation process described above repeats until all desiredsatellites in the set are found or until the antenna cannot identify anymore satellite candidates. As desired satellites are found, status canbe updated on the viewer's set up page 172.

When the antenna system has finished scanning (either by finding allrequired satellites, by finding no satellite candidates or finding someof the desired satellites after evaluating all possible candidates), itresponds to a status query by the STB with a Scan Complete message. Thismessage also carries a code for one of the following modes ofcompletion: all required satellites found; some required satellitesfound; or no required satellites found. Based on the outcome, the usermay start watching TV (in the first two options) or re-start a scanprocedure after trying to resolve the potential issues causing a scanfailure (in the last two options).

Once the STB recognizes the scan process to be completed, the statusquery requests are no longer sent to the antenna system. The STB thenreturns to its normal operation of providing satellite television. Afterthe sky scan is complete, the antenna system is directed to point atspecific satellites via DiSEqC commands from the STB to the antennacontrol system. The antenna control system actuates one or more motorsin response to these commands to aim or orient the antenna according tothe stored dish orientation positions for the set of desired satellites.

FIG. 8 shows certain aspects of the antenna system operation. The scanoperation 180 is performed until a desired satellite is found 182. Thesetup page can be updated 184. And the antenna system compares the NIDsof the desired satellites it has found to the set of needed satelliteNIDs previously provided by the STB 186. If all needed satellites werefound, then an appropriate message to the STB causes the STB to stopsending queries to the antenna 188. But if not all of the desiredsatellites have been found, the scanning process is continued 180 in aneffort to find additional desired satellite(s).

FIG. 9 shows the process to accomplish a satellite switching or jumpingoperation. The user would be watching television on a first channel 190.That first channel corresponds to a particular satellite slot (firstslot or position) where the satellite broadcasting that channel islocated. If the user changes to a second channel 192 that happens to bebroadcast from a satellite at a different location or slot (secondposition or slot), then the antenna system must re-orient its dish toreceive data from that second slot. Thus, when a user changes channels,the STB determines whether the satellite corresponding to the newchannel is located on a different satellite slot 194. If no, then theSTB does not issue any commands to the antenna. But if yes, then the STBsends a switch command to the antenna control 196. The information orcommand to the antenna can either be to simply switch (if atwo-satellite position set) or the satellite ID of the slot to switch tois provided. In response, the antenna control system energizes one ormore motors to move the dish to the orientation corresponding to thetarget satellite position 198, which was already stored in the antenna'smemory.

Alternatively, the decision to switch can be made by the antenna usingcode executing on the antenna's processor. In such alternative, the STBsends the NID to the antenna for a given channel selected by the user.The antenna system compares the new NID to the current NID and eitherdoes not move if the NID does not change, or performs a move to thesatellite slot corresponding to the NID for the new channel.

FIG. 10 illustrates the process of scanning for multiple desiredsatellites, but being unable to locate all desired satellites. The scan200 proceeds until the antenna locks onto a satellite candidate. Thesatellite ID (NID) is obtained from the STB 202 and compared to the setof desired satellite IDs. If the candidate is among the list, then theset-up page is updated 204 and the antenna compares the list of locateddesired satellites to the set of all desired satellites 206. If alldesired satellites have been found, then a message to such effect isrelated to the STB so the STB stops sending queries to the antenna 208.The user is then ready to watch television. But if it is determined in206 that all desired satellites have not been located, the antennaevaluates whether it has completed a scan procedure wherein and allsatellite candidates have been evaluated 210. If no, then the scanproceeds to the next candidate. If yes in 210, then the STB is informedaccordingly so that a message can be presented to the user to request achoice of watching available programming or repeating the scan process212.

Also when comparing the satellite NID in 202, the antenna determineswhether it has completed its scan and evaluation of all satellitecandidates 214. If the candidate satellite position ID is not among theset of desired satellite IDs (or cannot be identified) and if there areno other satellite candidates to evaluate, then the STB is informed sothat the STB can display a message to the user to move the antenna andinitiate a restart of the scan and acquisition process 216.

FIG. 11 illustrates the process of updating the antenna's firmware.After power is supplied to the STB 218, the STB queries the antenna forits ID 220. The antenna reports its ID 222. The ID contains a firmware(or software) version identifier. The STB determines whether thesoftware on the antenna is the current or correct version 224. If yes,the STB acknowledges the antenna ID 226 and displays the setup page forthe user 228. If no in 224, then the STB displays a message to the userrequesting that the antenna software be updated 230. In one embodiment,the software can be updated while connected to the STB using the STBinterface to transmit the updated software to the antenna. In anotherembodiment, the antenna can be connected to a computer with access tothe World Wide Web and the user can facilitate a connection with asoftware update server. In a further embodiment, the antenna is directlyconnected to the World Wide Web to receive updates from the softwareupdate server.

The antenna control system is configured to react to several commonmodes of failure that might be encountered in use:

-   -   1. Failure resulting from user moving the antenna on purpose or        by accident while sky searching

Recovery can be automatic. The antenna control system verifies that noneof the dish orientations for found desired satellites have changedbefore returning a sky scan complete status to the STB. If recoverycannot be automatic, a message can be displayed requesting whether theuser wants to watch available programming OR move satellite antenna,re-set receiver and re-scan.

-   -   2. Failure resulting from user moving the antenna on purpose or        accident after search is complete.

The user can re-initiate the sky search by accessing the setup screenthrough the STB, or could reset or powering cycle the STB. For example,the loss of satellite signal will cause the STB to present the user witha setup screen from which a new search can be initiated. In somelocations, such as the United States, it is possible to then send a newrequest for satellite ID rather than wait for a programming download tooccur as would happen on a reset or power up. This expedites there-acquisition.

-   -   3. Obstruction of 1 or more satellites while searching

If less than all members of a set of desired satellites can be located,then the user can be presented with the option to watch the availableprogramming OR move the antenna, re-set the receiver and re-scan. If nodesired satellites are found, the user can be prompted to move theantenna, re-set receiver and re-scan.

-   -   4. Temporary obstruction

Depending on where the antenna system is located, it may occur that atemporary blockage, such as a person walking in front of the system, mayoccur while in operation. In such instance the temporary obstructionwould create a corresponding temporary error. Thus, a predeterminedtimeout duration is included in the antenna control system logic thatmust be satisfied before informing the STB and causing the STB todisplay a notice to the user that the antenna is attempting to acquirethe satellites.

-   -   5. Temporary Power Loss

If power is interrupted, the STB may provide the user with such a noticeand give the user the option to continue watching television using thepre-interruption satellite information. The user can also be given theoption to re-start a sky scan.

As mentioned earlier, a setup/diagnostic screen displayed on the user'stelevision allows the user to input selected data and customize theoperation of the antenna system. One object of the screen is to minimizethe amount of user input required to find satellites and watch TV, whilestill obtaining sufficient information to permit efficient systemoperation. In one embodiment, the user can be provided with a basic orinitial screen to request the minimum operating information. An advancedscreen selection option can also be provided so that the user can accessadvanced operating modes of the antenna system.

In one example embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the user selectsgeographical location on a set-up screen using a remote control andon-screen icons. Selection of region initiates search. In addition, theset-up screen can display the following information:

-   -   1. Confirmation that antenna system is installed and can        communicate    -   2. Satellite service identification (e.g. DISH 500, DISH 1000,        etc.)    -   3. Software revision status of antenna system software    -   4. Progress in accomplishing search task (e.g. busy or a percent        complete)    -   5. Indication of satellites found    -   6. Vertical elevation 10 through 65 degrees (Numbers 10 thru 65)    -   7. Azimuth 0 through 12 (clock hours)

The STB and antenna control system can communicate via the so-calledDiSEqC communication protocol. This protocol is used by many satelliteprogramming providers for accomplishing 2-way communication through acoaxial cable. It should be noted however, that the present invention isnot limited to use of the DiSEqC protocol. Other communication methodsand protocols between STBs and satellite antenna components can be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Another aspect of certain embodiments is that the two-way communicationbetween the STB and antenna takes place over a single coaxial cable orcommunication conduit connecting the antenna to the STB. In addition,the satellite TV signals received by the antenna are also transmittedover this same single cable. Further the single cable can provide thepower to the antenna necessary to operate the antenna, includingpowering the control system and the motors to aim the antenna's dish. Byaccomplishing all of the above items via a single coaxial cable, onlyone coaxial cable need be connected between the antenna and STB duringsetup. The antenna does not need any other connections. This isadvantageous because fewer cables makes set up easier and faster,reduces cost, reduces weight, reduces likelihood of losing or forgettingcomponents, there are fewer tripping hazards and the system after setupis more visually appealing (i.e. less cluttered). It also improvesquality and reliability of the antenna.

Referring to FIG. 12, a satellite television viewing system according toone example embodiment includes a portable antenna unit 300, a set topbox (STB) 302, a television 304 and a power source 306. The television304 and STB 302 are both electrically connected to the power source 306.Also, the STB 302 is connected to the television 304 via a communicationcable 308. This cable 308 can be a coaxial cable, an HDMI cable,component cables or other suitable connection means known to those ofskill in the art. A coaxial cable 310, or other suitable cable,electrically and communicatively connects the antenna unit 300 with theSTB 302. An external fitting 312 can be provided on an exterior surfaceof the antenna's enclosure 314 to allow signal and power to pass throughthe enclosure while maintaining the sealed feature of the enclosedantenna unit.

A plurality of feet 316 can be provided to the bottom of the enclosureto facilitate the antenna unit sitting on a surface such as the groundor a table, or to facilitate attachment to a bracket.

Some portions or all of antenna enclosure may comprise anelectromagnetic wave permeable material that permits the inboundsatellite broadcast energy to pass through the enclosure 314 withminimal loss. The enclosure may be sectioned into a top or cover portion318 and a bottom or base portion 320 to facilitate access to the antennacomponents enclosed completely within the enclosure. The enclosureprotects the antenna control system, motors and other components frommoisture, dirt, sand, other debris and from impacts that might damagethe enclosed components.

A handle 322 or other carrying means can be provided to, or defined in,the enclosure to facilitate carrying by a single hand of a user.

Referring to FIGS. 13-15, certain internal details of the antenna deviceare shown according to one example embodiment. However, the internalcomponents can have other configurations, shapes and sizes withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. The satellite televisionantenna system includes a parabolic reflector dish 350 and asubreflector 352 positioned forward of the dish. The dish collectsincoming satellite broadcast signals by reflecting them forward to afocal point. The subreflector is located adjacent to the dish's focalpoint to reflect the collected signal rearward through a feed or guidetube 354 and on to a low noise block (LNB) converter 356 located behindthe dish. The LNB converter amplifies the signals and converts them frommicrowaves to low frequency signals that are transmitted to theenclosure junction 312 and then onward through the communication conduitto the STB. The STB converts and decodes the television signals receivedthrough the conduit so they can appear on the screen of a television.

In one embodiment, orientation or positioning of dish 350 is carried outby a motorized elevation drive system, which includes an elevation motor360, and a motorized azimuth drive system, which includes an azimuthmotor 362, that are each controlled by the antenna control system. Theantenna control system includes a microprocessor and physical memorydisposed on a control board 358, which is located inside of theenclosure. The memory can be either both onboard the processor orseparate from the processor, or a combination of both. The memory storesthe operating software code for the antenna system, which is executableby the microprocessor. The microprocessor (processor) then communicateswith (or selectively energizes) the motors 360 and 362 to selectivelyorient the dish. The microprocessor also controls communication with theSTB.

A GPS receiver can also be provided to the control board 358, or otherportion of the antenna unit inside of the enclosure) according tocertain embodiments. The GPS receiver in such embodiments communicateswith the processor to provide data that the processor uses to determineelevation and/or azimuth orientation data for the dish corresponding tothe geographic location of the antenna device.

While the invention has been described in connection with what ispresently considered to be the most practical and preferred exampleembodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed exampleembodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be madethereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of theappended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures andproducts.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it isexpressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraphof 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for”or “step for” are recited in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A satellite television antenna apparatus,comprising: an enclosure, wherein at least a portion of the enclosurecomprises an electromagnetic wave permeable material; a reflector dishdisposed inside of the enclosure, the dish configured to be movable inat least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevation orientation; afirst motor disposed inside of the enclosure and operably engaged withthe dish to move the dish in at least one of the azimuth and elevationorientations; an antenna control system disposed inside of theenclosure, the antenna control system including a physical memory and amicroprocessor, the microprocessor communicatively coupled to the firstmotor to control the operation of the first motor, the antenna controlsystem including executable code stored in the memory, wherein theantenna control system is configured to receive a set of desiredsatellite identifications (IDs) from a set top box (STB); lock onto afirst satellite candidate; receive a first ID for the first satellitecandidate from the STB; compare the first ID for the satellite candidateto the set of desired IDs; communicate a status of the antenna apparatusto the STB; and energize the first motor to change at least one of theazimuth and elevation orientations of the dish to lock onto a secondsatellite candidate if the entire set of desired satellite IDs have notbeen located.
 2. The satellite television antenna apparatus of claim 1,wherein the antenna control system is further configured to initiate abackground microwave radiation scan and set a signal-to-noise ratioprior to locking onto the first satellite candidate.
 3. The satellitetelevision antenna apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a secondmotor disposed inside of the enclosure, the second motor operablycoupled to the dish to move the dish in at least one of the azimuth andelevation orientations.
 4. The satellite television antenna apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a single coaxial cable coupled to a fittingdisposed on the outside of the enclosure, the single coaxial cable incommunication with the antenna control system to communicate the statusof the antenna apparatus to the STB and to communicate NIDs from the STBto the antenna control system.
 5. The satellite television antennaapparatus of claim 4, wherein the antenna system draws power to operatethe motor and the antenna control system from the single coaxial cable.6. The satellite television antenna apparatus of claim 1, wherein theantenna control system is further configured to store the orientation ofthe dish corresponding to each satellite candidate whose ID matched theset of desired satellite IDs.
 7. The satellite television antennaapparatus of claim 6, wherein the antenna control system is furtherconfigured to directly switch orientations of the dish without scanningin response to a user changing channels on the STB.
 8. The satellitetelevision antenna apparatus of claim 1, wherein the antenna controlsystem is further configured to store the orientation of the dishcorresponding to each satellite candidate whose ID did not match the setof desired satellite IDs.
 9. The satellite television antenna apparatusof claim 8, wherein the antenna control system is further configured tostore the orientation of the dish corresponding to each satellitecandidate whose ID could not be determined by the STB.
 10. The satellitetelevision antenna apparatus of claim 1, further comprising asubreflector disposed adjacent the focal point of the dish and a lownoise block converter disposed behind the dish.
 11. A satellitetelevision system comprising a STB and a motorized enclosed antennaapparatus, the antenna apparatus configured to receive satellitetelevision signals broadcast from a satellite in geosynchronous orbitabove the Earth and relay those signals to the STB via a communicationsconduit, the STB configured to decode the audio and video signalsreceived from the antenna apparatus and to send signals back through thesame communications conduit to the antenna apparatus, the antennaapparatus comprising: an enclosure, wherein at least a portion of theenclosure comprises an electromagnetic wave permeable material; areflector dish disposed inside of the enclosure, the dish configured tobe movable in at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevationorientation; a first motor disposed inside of the enclosure and operablyengaged with the dish to move the dish in the at least one of theazimuth and elevation orientations; an antenna control system disposedinside of the enclosure, the antenna control system configured tocontrol the operation of the first motor, receive a set of desiredsatellite IDs from a STB, control the first motor to move the dishduring a scan the sky and lock onto a first satellite candidate, receivefrom the STB an ID corresponding to the first satellite candidate;determine whether the ID corresponding to the first satellite candidateis listed in the set of desired satellite IDs; and determine whether allmembers of the set of desired satellite IDs have been located.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the antenna apparatus further includes aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver disposed inside of theenclosure.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the antenna controlsystem is further configured to determine a particular elevation rangeof the sky to scan based upon a location of the antenna determined bythe GPS receiver.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the antennacontrol system is further configured to initiate a background microwaveradiation scan and set a signal-to-noise ratio prior to initiating ascan for the first satellite candidate.
 15. The system of claim 11,wherein the antenna apparatus is powered via the communications conduit.16. The system of claim 11, wherein the antenna control system isfurther configured to store the orientations of the dish correspondingto each satellite candidate whose NID matched the set of desiredsatellite IDs, each satellite candidate whose ID did not match the setof desired satellite IDs, and each satellite candidate whose ID couldnot be determined by the STB.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein theantenna control system is further configured to store the orientationsof the dish corresponding to each satellite candidate whose ID matchedthe set of desired satellite IDs, and to initiate switching of the dishorientation between two or more stored orientations of the dish withoutscanning in response to a user changing channels on the STB.
 18. Amethod of obtaining location information for television broadcastsatellites by a portable motorized satellite antenna device, the methodcomprising: receiving a set of desired satellite IDs from a STB; settinga signal-to-noise ratio by scanning at least a portion of the sky forbackground microwave radiation; moving a parabolic reflector dish via amotor in at least one of an azimuth orientation and an elevationorientation until the antenna device is locked onto a first satellitecandidate; receiving from the STB at least one of an ID corresponding tothe first satellite candidate or an indication that an ID correspondingto the first satellite candidate cannot be determined; determiningwhether the ID corresponding to the first satellite candidate is amember of the set of desired satellite NIDs; moving the parabolicreflector dish via the motor in at least one of the azimuth andelevation orientations until the antenna device is locked onto a secondsatellite candidate if the ID corresponding to the first satellitecandidate is determined to not be a member of the set of desiredsatellite IDs; determining whether there are any further members of theset of desired satellite IDs to be located if the ID corresponding tothe first satellite candidate is determined to be a member of the set ofdesired satellite IDs; and moving the parabolic reflector dish via themotor in at least one of the azimuth and elevation orientations untilthe antenna device is locked onto a second satellite candidate if the IDcorresponding to the first satellite candidate cannot be determined. 19.The method of claim 18, further comprising storing in memory containedin the antenna device at least one of the azimuth and elevationorientations of the dish corresponding to each satellite candidate whoseID matched the set of desired satellite IDs, each satellite candidatewhose ID did not match the set of desired satellite IDs, and eachsatellite candidate whose ID could not be determined by the STB.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, further comprising sending satellite acquisitionstatus information from the antenna device to the STB via a two-waycommunications conduit and powering the antenna device solely throughthe two-way communications conduit.